NFC South's Struggles

From 2008-2013, the NFC South had been considered as one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL. During those six seasons, the NFC South had featured at least one team with 12 wins. This division has proven to bring some offensive firepower throughout those six seasons, but haven't shown the defensive potential that other divisions have provided. This season though, the NFC South Division has backfired, and has performed like a very weak division. The first place New Orleans Saints, aren't even at the .500 mark (5-7). The 2013 surprise team of the year, the Carolina Panthers, have a mear 3-8-1 record and really struggled on the defensive side of the ball. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are having a miserable 2-10 season, after having a good off-season. The Atlanta Falcons are also experiencing another down-year, despite posting a 4-0 record against their division. Overall, all four of these teams have been playing inconsistent, throughout the 2014 season. They have struggled on the road and are having a tough time, defending opposing offenses. Here are 5 reasons why the NFC South has been a weak division in 2014:

1. All four teams rank 20th or worst in total defense. (Saints: 20th, Panthers: 23rd, Buccaneers: 27th, Falcons: 30th)
2. All four teams rank 20th or worst in points allowed. (Saints: 21st, Falcons: 23rd, Panthers: 29th, Buccaneers: 30th)
3. Have had turnover problems on offense. (Saints: 7 Multi-Turnover Games, Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers: Averaged at least 1 Turnover per game)
4. None have a winning road record. (Saints: 2-4, Falcons: 2-4, Buccaneers: 2-4, Panthers: 1-4-1)
5. Lost key players in off-season/to injury.

The Saints haven't been able to overcome losses of Pro Bowl Saftey Jarius Byrd (knee), and the trade of versatile Running Back Darren Sproles (traded to Eagles). Their offense has been able to produce and perform at a high level, with Brees ranking third in passing yards in 2014. Marques Colston has had a down year, but young, speedy deep-threat Kenny Stills is emerging as a solid second reciever for the Saints. Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette pass rush hasn't been enough, to stop opponents passing games.

The Buccaneers brought in a new QB (Veteran Josh McCown), a new Left Tackle (Anthony Collins), a great deep threat in the draft (Mike Evans),signed a solid center (Evan Dietrich-Smith), hauled in a pass-rusher (Michael Johnson), brought in a star cornerback (Alterraun Verner) to replace Darrelle Revis, and a new coach (Lovie Smith). Their team chemistry has been very porous and the acquisition of good players hasn't improved the team moral. Their offense has shuffled through five different running backs, which resulted into the 28th rushing offense in football. The play from their defense hasn't improved, as they surrender 27.3 points per game.

The Panthers have followed up their surprising 12-4 performance, with a dismil 3-8-1 record. They were able to find their next gen reciever in rookie Kelvin Benjamen, but have failed to consistenly control the ball. Greg Hardy' absence has destroyed the 23rd ranked defenses, after yielding only the 2nd most yards per game in 2013.

Atlanta' offensive line continues to collapse Matt Ryan pocket, as their defense has been picked a part nearly each and every game. Their special teams has been a bright spot with Javier Arenas and Devin Hester returning kicks and punts. Atlanta Air Coryell offense needs a better third wide reciever, but have produced well enough, for Matt Ryan to throw for the 7th most passing yards in 2014.